An incredible transformation occurred the first week of May at Cedar Grove Elementary School. The school gymnasium became a jungle filled with amazing flora and fauna for the setting of The Jungle Book. Under the direction of Lorelei Quilty and Ingrid Bilton, and the amazing support of many community volunteers, staff members and adult musicians, 245 students performed their hearts out in a musical version of Rudyard Kipling's classic tale. The costumes were magnificent, and the make-up and hair styling of professional quality, along with the lighting, sound, set design and decorating. A great deal of hard work went into these preparations, and the results were impressive. It was, however, the skill of the student performers that really made the show. Everyone, from the kindergarten children on safari to those students in the primary and intermediate choirs, the primary elephant singers, the kazoo players and the Grade 6/7 band students performed well. Some students had multiple roles as actors, puppeteers, singers and musicians. Each class in the school participated and made a valuable contribution to the overall success of the show.
In the main roles, Jillian Dueck made a wonderful Mowgli, and Sienna Dolinski was entertaining as the easygoing Baloo. Cassidy Rainer led the elephant herd as the dotty though dignified Colonel Hathi and Alex Toigo was suitably simian as crazy King Louie. Kaitlyn Killacky had the most extraordinary costume as the hypnotic python Kaa, while Alysha Monk looked every bit a Bengal tiger, staring out through the foliage. To serve as narrators and perhaps as an excuse to sing a few more catchy tunes, this version of The Jungle Book included Poomba and Timon from the The Lion King. Robbie Parsons played a hearty Poomba, and Jessica Luporini was an engaging and sprightly Timon. All of these lead players acted and sang very well. For sheer presence, energy and immersion in a role, Alexis Toigo was superb as Bagheera, the man-cub's exasperated jungle guardian. The vultures were also excellent and their costuming another indication of the effort that went into this production.
Through this production, students received instruction in the fine arts, from music and dance to acting, stagecraft and shadow puppetry. They also learned about the magic of the theatre and working together to achieve a common goal. The result was truly exceptional and an experience these students will always remember.
